What about a Mudcat festival

Subject: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Bluesmike
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 06:41 PM

Thsi is such a great place- any thoughts on having a Mudcat Global music festival?

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 06:53 PM

2006.......10 year anniversary........probably east coast of the U.S.

Spaw

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 06:57 PM

hmmm...not really practicable. Only the rich could afford the travel. What we already have is folks getting together in Belgium, England, various parts of the US...etc. Notices of Mudcat meets at MANY festivals are being posted constantly.

(I suppose the closest thing we have to a 'central' thing is the FSGW Getaway, where Max & Dick Greenhaus and Pene Azul and many others have started meeting...since it is only an hours from Mudcat Central...Max's dining room table!)

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Genie
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 07:25 PM

I think we should have it in Hawaii -- at Mark C's place. *G*

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: death by whisky
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 07:26 PM

fsgw?.What about Iceland,betwen Europe and USA!!!OR MAYBE rOCKALL...

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Jeri
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 07:46 PM

Genie, I LIKE that idea! Didn't he invite us all to visit a while back? (Honestly, I hate flying. Maybe if I started rowing now...)

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 07:53 PM

I thought I heard Nova Scotia???? Whatever. I move into a three bedroom house with lots of room on the 27th. Any and all are welcome to fill it with music and laughter. Or if you just need a place to crash...

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 08:29 PM

They are all global in principle, since the information is posted on the Mudcat (and you can't get more global than that), and everyone is invited, if they can get there.

But there's talk of getting a charter flight to te Sates for 2006...

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 09:42 PM

Bluesmike, I like the idea, as well. We've been tossing around Nova Scotia in 2006 as the others have said. Here's the first thread of discussion about it; there is a link to the next thread in it, I believe: please click.

Let's all start saving our pennies, pence, farthings, whathaveyou!:-)

kat

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From:
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 09:46 PM

I'll second Nova Scotia!!!!

I can gain access to my Church!

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: sharyn
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 09:46 PM

This is a great idea -- whatever, whenever. I'll be there if humanly possible, given enough notice

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Fortunato
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 10:02 PM

I like the idea, Bluesmike. what billd says is true, some folks might not make it to certain areas, but could not the 'festival/gathering/etc' be held different places in the world, eventually getting near most folks? I'll help when and where I can with organization. cheers, chance

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: mg
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 10:22 PM

two places to consider because they are so highly subsidized, and easily accessible at least to west coast people, is Reno and Las Vegas....Reno is in Basque country which might give it added flavor. mg

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: khandu
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 10:32 PM

Teoc, Mississippi!

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: reggie miles
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 11:23 PM

Sultan, Washington is my vote and don't forget to bring your umbrellas.

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 11:26 PM

well, Washington/Oregon sure is a prime spot for a regional Mudcat gathering...I'd try to make one there

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 12:57 AM

Colorado is close to the middle!! Come to Colorado!

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 06:10 AM

Mind you, it's about time that we had another UK (and German - Mudguard) gathering to follow the great Stoney Stratford experience. What's happened to "The one and only DAI" I haven't seen him on Mudcat recently.

Who else agrees ?

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Schantieman
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 07:21 AM

I'd go for that, Dave.

Steve

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: InOBU
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 07:27 AM

My vote is either the Azores or Tristam de Cuna... Larry

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: InOBU
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 07:27 AM

or New York during the olymipics...

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Bassic
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 07:32 AM

Re UK gathering,

What about the Sat/Sun/Mon in Whitby after the festival. Lots of catters already there. Festival finishes on the Friday. Long Weekend due to bank holiday, Very Folk Friendly athmosphere.

Wadayathink?

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Rapparee
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 07:34 AM

Ardfert. Or Cork. Or Skye....

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 08:00 AM

The whole idea of Stony Stratford (I've spelt it right this time) was that it was reasonably central for most people - it's not that far from Meriden which always claimed to be the centre of England.

Anyway I'll PM Dai and see if I can get an answer.

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Bluesmike
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 08:12 AM

I am so glad I brought the subject up. I don't have heaps of money but given say 12 months notice to put a few dollars away I reckon I could just about get anywhere.
A couple of thoughts;

A mudcatters performers list could be representative of all member nations. I am dreaming of the Mother of all jam sessions.

It could be profitable if it was promoted well.


I am sure there must be a wealth of knowledge about how to do it properly out there so I will leave in your more than capable hands.

Michael

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: EBarnacle1
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 10:49 AM

No need to row, my schooner ought to be ready by then. She's only a small'un but seaworthy. For the same reason, anywhere on or near the sea would work for me.

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 01:32 PM

Bassic - have you ever actually been in Whitby on the weekend after Folk wee? The pub landlords dread it!!! It is full of bank holiday trippers who want to get pissed and wreck the place. Anyway by the end of the week I have nothing left money energy or voice!!

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: alanww
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 02:21 PM

Sorry, Bassic and EBarnacle, I agree with Mrs D ... and also the end of Whitby week clashes with both Towersey and Bridgnorth FFs ... and anyway I'm booked at Bridgnorth FF with the Shellbacks!) Better an off-season weekend in the middle of the country - like Stony Stratford, as Dave B suggests.
(EBarnacle: Does SS have a canal?)
Maybe Dave B and Dai can sort it between them?
"T'was on one April morning ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: gnu
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 02:41 PM

Nova Scotia... the way the $cdn is, by then, you'll get enough change back from your $US, pound, Euro, whatever, to pay for the trip. And the government will subsidize it to the hilt if you put more emphasis on the traditional music aspect. I believe they spend a buck or two promoting and putting on Cape Breton's "Celtic Colours" festival. If it could be run near the same time, it would be quite a trip for many who have never visited "The Cape". Not to mention PEI, NF and, of course, NB - The Picture Province (my old man always used to say, "underdeveloped and overexposed"). Unfortunately, it's in the fall and that may not be good for toting school age children.

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Skipper Jack
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 03:28 PM

Have you thought of how many Mudcatters are actual performers??

What about staging a festival for Europeans to coincide with an American event and have a Web link up? I am sure that there are people out there with the technical know how?

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: gnu
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 03:33 PM

There might even be a few IN HERE with the technical knowhow. Hmmm...

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Rapparee
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 03:35 PM

Skipper, webwise, it's all one world now. Let's go for it. Nova Scotia and....

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: fiddler
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 04:18 PM

I'm up for the charter flight thing.

We must be able to fill a plane from UK and or Eurpope.

Count me in!!

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 07:33 PM

You are referring to Whitby, Ontario, Canada, the hub of the universe, right?

The points about the Canadian Dollar are so valid. Cape Breton would be a marvellous place to have it. However, my vote goes to a music Centre like New Orleans, Chicago, Memphis, Mississippi or New York.

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: khandu
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 10:03 PM

Teoc, Mississippi!

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Bluesmike
Date: 14 Nov 02 - 09:08 AM

I was once in California showing a few locals a coffee table book of pix of Australia-I always travel with one . After we were through a woman piped up- "Australia" "Australia", "I always wanted to go there- Tell me, Is it anywhere near Texas?" Well anyway- Colorado is only halfway if you are somewhere between say Tokyo and um Paris- or Istanbul and Uulan Baator or Easter Island and Rejkavik.
Isuppose it is about halfway from Sydney if you travel in either direction.
I have nothing personal about Nova Scotia but how about somewhere warm- Tahiti- Costa Rica, Cairns, The Seychelles, Las Canarias?
We gotta do it though and as Skipper Jack says how many Mudcatters can really play. and Senor EBarnacle, my flying fifteen might be a little bit wet- how about dropping by Dangar Island and picking me up on your way through?
Michael

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: rock chick
Date: 14 Nov 02 - 09:20 AM

What a great idea, you can count me in I'll fly, sail or even hike if needs be, there is only one provision it must be warm, sunny and preferably no rain, think that rules out here in England, so I save the pennies and will travel wherever?

rc

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Midchuck
Date: 14 Nov 02 - 09:30 AM

Nova Scotia would be good. The New England membership could maybe set up a charter ferry trip out of Portland, ME, and retain Kendall to maintain communication with the Captain so he/she wouldn't give up on us as total crazies and turn back.

Peter.

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 14 Nov 02 - 10:13 AM

Bassic...the weekend you mentioned is also the weekend of Towersey FF.

Going to have to start saving the pennies to travel to the states at some point!!!

Cat

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 14 Nov 02 - 11:10 AM

Well, as Jeri and Big Mick can attest. Scarborough Ontario has several very inexpensive Motels all in a row. They rent rooms by the hour, or even by the half hour, and most are equipped with a certain amount of running water and a towel or two. They are all along a strip of pavement called Kingston Rd. which I'm told is a busker's paradise. Heck you can make a few bucks even WITHOUT an instrument!

Cheers

POS

Rick

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: EBarnacle1
Date: 14 Nov 02 - 11:24 AM

"Does SS have a canal?" I don't know. Where is SS?

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Essex Girl
Date: 15 Nov 02 - 09:29 AM

Yes, Stony Stratford does have a canal, it is near to the Grand Union. Dave B will let you have all the boating information. It is quite close to Milton Keynes with good access to the motorway and main line railway. We had a terrific weekend in February and it would be great to repeat it. Otherwise I would be on for Nova Scotia!!!

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Bassic
Date: 15 Nov 02 - 09:57 AM

Ok so Whitby is no good, I had better get a passport then!

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 15 Nov 02 - 11:09 AM

Dipsodeb - Last time at Stony Stratford there was indoor camping (no I don't mean they were acting gay) - some even went the whole hog putting up a tent in the dorm. I gather much nocturnal fun was had by all. Linda and I wondered how much we missed by bringing the caravan !

I've PMed Dai, but have'nt received a reply yet - do any of the local 'catters know if he's still about ?

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Big Mick
Date: 15 Nov 02 - 11:10 AM

Rick is absolutely correct. I went out late at night to sit and play my Low D whistle. The pay I got offered was quite interesting. I then went and got out my practice set of Uilleann Pipes to see if I couldn't up the pay to something even more interesting. The first offer got rescinded. The local constabulary wants to hire me to clean out some other areas of their fair town.

Mick

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Melani
Date: 15 Nov 02 - 10:53 PM

How 'bout Northern California? I can't afford to travel far.

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: khandu
Date: 15 Nov 02 - 11:16 PM

Okay, okay...Avalon, Mississippi.

k

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Nov 02 - 12:51 AM

Back up!!!! Did I just read that Jeri and Big Mick rented rooms by the hour in Ontario?

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: mg
Date: 16 Nov 02 - 12:19 PM

How about picking the best times of year for a few locations in the U.S. and Europe and other places...such as winter in Florida, spring in mid-atlantic, and have a series of local things...for people coming to Europe I would recommend something outside Amsterdam, like Lyden..Amsterdam seems to me the easiest and one of the cheapest places to get to and it is fairly close to Hull, isn't it? And the train station is right there in the airport..not a bad airport..Copenhagen is the nicest I think...Lyden is a beautiful town and a friend of ours from the PNW might still live there...

mg

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: COINWOLF
Date: 16 Nov 02 - 12:32 PM

I think you are all missing the point.

Like all festivals it is not the place that matters so much as who the people are that are going to run it, and then it must be up to them to say where and when, (and take the financial risk of people not coming.)
No one place is going to satisfy everybody.

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Midchuck
Date: 16 Nov 02 - 02:31 PM

Coinwolf, I may be wrong (I'm good at it) but I think "festival" is sort of a misnomer for what everyone has in mind. I think we're looking at more of an oversized gettother and marathon jam. No paid performers and no payment for admission - maybe voluntary donations to cover expenses. That kind of thing. I think.

Peter.

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: skarpi
Date: 16 Nov 02 - 02:41 PM

Well I think Iceland is a good thing it is on the Eroupe-American
plate, but I think Novia Scotia Is a great place to visit.
All the best Skarpi Iceland.

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 16 Nov 02 - 03:31 PM

Iceland or Novia Scotia would suit me fine. I love Canada and I've always wanted to go to Iceland!!

Anywhere not in England would suit me actually

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: The Pooka
Date: 16 Nov 02 - 05:12 PM

Rick & Mick: *LOL*! Scarborough fair, indeed! / But, you can mako the moolah be the half-hour without any um, equipment at ALL, at all?? Farewell, farewell, you Kingston girls...

My single-transferable votes:

(1) Cape Breton of the Welcomes. Cape North. Meat Cove. (Not to be confused with the Kingston Road, see above...) NS Province leading by plurality here, I believe...

(2) Rebel Cork. Cobh. Coal Quay. Murphy's Stout & Pigs Cruibheens. Here's up them all...No, I can't afford it either; but I'll apply for the coveted Barney's Stones Scholarship from the Plastic Paddy Institute of Fooked-Music.

(3) A write-in for Boston. Bean & the Cod. Kennedys & God. Pops. Nowait, belay that last part. Hizzoner James Michael. Courage of his Convictions. Skeffington, Skeffington, cast yer vote for Skeffington...Stand for the Rights of Man, boys, fight against all Tyranny...woops.

(4) The compromise consensus: Anywhere in Mississippi. Sure, when you're Hot you're Hot; an' it's hoe it down and scratch your gravel, if to Dixie's land you're bound to travel; but remember: khandu is King there. We can get a Royal Airlines discount. Lookout, Hattiesburg! :)

OKOKOK. Enuff Crappola & Crayola. This is a grand idea; & if it should Come to Pass, this oul' mole will try like Hell to Be There -- wherever. (Now, doan' let that stop the Planning:) / "International House"; WC Fields: "Is this Kansas City Kansasss, or Kansas City Missourrrr-uh?" Hotel guy: "This is Wu Hu, China. You must be lost." WCF: "Kansas City is lossst; I am heeerre." :)

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 19 Nov 02 - 05:43 AM

I've still heard nothing from The-One-and-only-Dai.

Are there any Mudcatters up in the Stony Stratford area who either know where he is, or would be willing to contact York House (it was just about still standing when we left) to find out if they would let us back for another demolition attempt.

How many UK (or German ones - Mudguard) 'Catters would be interested in a repeat of Stony Stratford - Both My and Linda's hand have gone up.

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 22 Nov 02 - 03:59 AM

heloo, i think it shud be in Hull.john

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Dani
Date: 22 Nov 02 - 07:00 AM

Count me in for Iceland! It can't be colder than an unheated cabin in the Maryland woods!

Dani

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: wilco
Date: 22 Nov 02 - 10:40 AM

I got so excited about coming. I've just now began to accumulate cash. I just won almost two bucks from my four year old grandson in a poker game (He'd never played before). I'm on my way!!!

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 29 Nov 02 - 06:40 AM

I've received an answer from Dai to my PM. The main crux of which is "I'm not going to be in the country for a significant portion of next year.... ".

I've asked him if he could find anyone else local who would be willing to do the organising at the Stony Stratford end. I'm sure that many other 'catters would be willing to help with "remote" organising issues - both Linda and I would definitely be.

I'm sure that everyone who went to the last would agree that the venue, York House, proved very suitable. Perhaps it was a tad too far south for some, but it was reasonably accessible and about the right size.

For those who didn't go, try looking through some of these threads:

UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
Stony Stratford: the nightmare continues
Stony Stratford: doom approaching
After Stony Stratford

I think you'll agree that even the chat produced was great fun !

Who would like to repeat the experience ? - NAMES PLEASE

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Noreen
Date: 29 Nov 02 - 09:05 AM

My hand is up for a gathering, definitely, but I think we need a linked organiser and venue to get it off the ground, rather than trying to find an organiser for a predetermined venue.

Before Dai volunteered Stony Stratford last year, a few of us were looking into taking over an out-of-season youth hostel. You still up for that, John Routledge?

Or anyone with any other ideas/volunteers to have us in their stately home?
:0)

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 29 Nov 02 - 09:35 AM

Aren't Youth Hostels supposed to be alcohol-free - I do know of one which used to let you bring your own om folk nights, but is this an exception ? Is the YH that you're suggesting off in the wilds or near other places of civilisation ? Are you looking for somewhere further North ?

The main thing about York House is that we know that a gathering can work there. There are also plenty of folkies in the area.

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 29 Nov 02 - 10:01 AM

How about Spirit of The Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak Florida in late February or early March? Kendall will already be there. All we have to do is make camping reservations individually on a non festival date. Everyone can fly to Jacksonville Florida very conveniently.


http://www.musicliveshere.com/

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 29 Nov 02 - 10:59 AM

does that mean we all bring our compueters and sit in tents e-mailing tunes and songs????? I dont see the point.Its cold out there.

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Noreen
Date: 29 Nov 02 - 12:07 PM

Mudcat Gathering, N. Ireland, 2003?

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 29 Nov 02 - 12:08 PM

I think I just got talked into volunteering!
Mudcat Gathering, N. Ireland, 2003?

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 29 Nov 02 - 12:08 PM

aha! that Noreen one is quick off the mark!

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Noreen
Date: 29 Nov 02 - 12:25 PM

And that Fibula one is beautiful and talented...
:0)

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 29 Nov 02 - 12:26 PM

(it's amazing the lengths people will go to in order to get a Mudcat gathering! Flattery will get you everywhere!)

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 29 Nov 02 - 03:02 PM

Aye to what Midchuck wrote:

" Nova Scotia would be good."

We have not been back to Cape Bretton or thereabouts in years, but keep wanting to as we love it up there. And don't fear about the weather - it's warm enough up there in the Summer.

"... The New England membership could maybe set up a charter ferry trip out of Portland, ME, and retain Kendall to maintain communication with the Captain so he/she wouldn't give up on us as total crazies and turn back."

Hells Bells, Mateys! We'll just commandeer the bloomin' tub and pipe Cpt. Kendall to the wheel! I'll bet he still knows his way around Hallifax Harbor well enough!

Now if one of our more prosperous Members could come up with a 125' schooner (give or take a fathom or two) we could start down in Florida and sail up the coast, picking up Mudcatters along the way to Nova Scotia - wouldn't that be a hoot!
Those of us who remember the Dramamine and can keep our crackers down long enough could learn both "the ropes" from those who really do know (like Kendall & Barry Finn to name a few) as well as some rollicking good old Sea Chanties.

I can see it now; "Pukers to the lee; Sailors up aloft; The Mudcat Roll & Go!"
"Bend yer backs, me hearties!!! (over the leward rail)... "Now heave away all!" (Bllaaaachh...!)

I'll bet Charlie Noble would even write a song about it - he does that sort of thing, you know
!
We could get a PBS film crew aboard and tape it for posterity - it just might keep fellow Folkies in stitches all over the civilized world for some time to come.

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: Willie-O
Date: 29 Nov 02 - 03:36 PM

It's a national policy, sins, all Canadian motel rooms are rented by the hour or smaller unit of time only. You have to go back to the office and pay every hour. It's cause the value of the currency fluctuates so much that they need to be able to change the rates on an hourly basis.

It's true!

What, you don't believe me?

OK then, wiseass, what possible explanation would make more sense?

No...wait...don't go dere.

I definitely casts my vote for NOVA SCOTIA.
Sorry Rick.
W-O

Subject: RE: Mudcat festival
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 29 Nov 02 - 08:07 PM

Surely some tramp steamers make the trip between Nova Scotia and the Auld Countyrie, don't they? Some Mudcatters from the UK and Celtic Isles might be able to stow away or work their way over and back, shouldn't they? These newfangled tin-can steamers don't pay much for Chantymen these days, but hopefully they could work something out that wouldn't be too demeaning.

Are there no Folk-Arts friendly rich people over there with large (sailing) yachts willing to load her to the scuppers with European Folkies and bear away for Nova Scotia?

Somehow when contemplating a "Mudcat Cruise", I don't see slot machines, casinos, and on-deck swimming pools as much as halyards, mainsheets, and a capstan.

Getting there can be half the fun!

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Nov 02 - 09:06 PM

SO long as those of us out West don't have to come by Prairie Schooner!

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: diesel
Date: 30 Nov 02 - 12:15 AM

Iceland sounds cool (pun intended) But wait a minute - did I hear they don't sell beer and spirits are VERY expensive - or is that the other way round ?

I'm Biased in saying Ireland - but a lot, not all by any stretch, but a lot of music is rooted here with good understanding form locals about the noise etc.

Weather can be shite though.

Killarney has a festival in the gleneagles hotel called the 'Gathering' each year (2003 is 19-23 February I've just been told ) - Mudcat could easily overtake it as a fringe type festival. Lots of hotels are closed but if they know there's a crowd. Hostels, B&B's and camping in abundance.

Oh yeh - and Liquid refreshment galore !

rgds

Diesel ( A Dub )

http://www.thegatheringonline.com/contact.html

Subject: RE: What about a Mudcat festival
From: EBarnacle1
Date: 30 Nov 02 - 12:57 PM

July is good, but not Independence Day weekend. I'll just lash the yawlboat to the car and go.